The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has scheduled a drawdown of Vernon Lake in Vernon Parish beginning Sept. 15, 2026, for parish, state and landowner maintenance, fish habitat improvement and vegetation control.

The lake will be lowered to approximately 8 feet below pool stage, the level required to achieve the desired benefits. The control structure will be closed for refill during the first week of January 2027.

The action is part of a cooperative effort between LDWF and the Vernon Parish Police Jury/Vernon Lake Commission to establish a regular drawdown schedule for the lake. Under the schedule, Vernon Lake would be drawn down every seven years for maintenance to the dam, spillway and boat ramps, as well as vegetation control and fisheries habitat improvement.

Fishing will remain open during the drawdown, but boaters should use extra caution. At lower water levels, boat lanes may not provide normal clearance for underwater obstructions.

For more information, contact LDWF Biologist Manager Beau Gregory at bgregory@wlf.la.gov or 337-491-2217.

---